Introduction
An oil catch can is an essential accessory for modern engines, particularly those with forced induction (turbocharged or supercharged). Its primary purpose is to capture and separate the oil vapors and blow-by gases that escape from the engine's crankcase ventilation system. By preventing these contaminants from entering the intake system, an oil catch can helps improve engine performance, reduce carbon buildup, and prolong the engine's lifespan.
| Benefits of Using an Oil Catch Can |
|---|
| Improved engine performance |
| Reduced carbon buildup |
| Extended engine lifespan |
| Emissions reduction |
| Fuel efficiency improvements |
Types of Oil Catch Cans
Oil catch cans are available in two main types:
Single-Valve Catch Cans: Designed primarily for naturally aspirated engines. They feature a single inlet that connects to the crankcase ventilation system, allowing the oil vapors and blow-by gases to enter the catch can, where they are separated from the air.
Dual-Valve Catch Cans: Suitable for both naturally aspirated and forced induction engines. They have two inlets: one connected to the crankcase ventilation system (PCV) and the other to the crankcase vent (CCV). This design ensures that oil vapors and blow-by gases are captured from both sources, providing more comprehensive protection for the engine.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing an oil catch can, consider the following key features:
Capacity
The capacity of the catch can should be appropriate for your engine size and usage. Larger engines or those used in high-performance applications may require a catch can with a larger capacity to accommodate more blow-by gases.
| Factors Affecting Capacity Requirements |
|---|
| Engine size |
| Performance level |
| Driving conditions |
Filtration System
Oil catch cans employ various filtration systems to separate the oil vapors from the air.
| Common Filtration Methods |
|---|
| Coalescing filters |
| Mesh filters |
| Baffled designs |
Coalescing filters are generally considered the most efficient, as they can capture even the smallest oil particles.
Materials and Build Quality
Look for oil catch cans made from high-quality materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion. Well-built catch cans with precise machining and proper sealing will prevent leaks and ensure optimal performance.
| Desirable Material Properties |
|---|
| Durability |
| Corrosion resistance |
| Precise machining |
| Proper sealing |
Mounting and Installation
Consider the ease of installation and available mounting options for the oil catch can. Some models come with mounting brackets or hardware, while others may require custom fabrication or modifications.
Top Oil Catch Can Brands and Models
Several reputable brands offer high-quality oil catch cans for various applications. Here are some of the top options to consider:
Mishimoto Compact Catch Can: Mishimoto is a well-known brand in the automotive aftermarket industry, and their compact catch can is designed for easy installation and efficient oil separation. It features a coalescing filter and a durable aluminum construction.
Moroso Oil Catch Tank: Moroso offers a range of oil catch cans, including their popular Oil Catch Tank. This catch can is designed for high-performance applications and features a large capacity, a coalescing filter, and a durable aluminum construction.
Spectre Performance Air Inlet Vent Filter: Spectre's air inlet vent filter serves as both an oil catch can and an air filter. It features a reusable stainless steel mesh filter and is designed for easy installation and maintenance.
Flashlube Catch Can Pro: The Flashlube Catch Can Pro is a top-performing option, as demonstrated in independent testing. It utilizes a coalescing filter and is designed for efficient oil separation and easy maintenance.
Mann+Hummel ProVent Range: Mann+Hummel's ProVent catch cans are known for their high-quality construction and efficient oil separation capabilities. They offer various models suitable for different engine types and applications.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial for ensuring the optimal performance of your oil catch can.
Installation Guidelines
Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during installation, and ensure that all connections are secure and leak-free. Proper installation involves:
Identifying the appropriate mounting location
Connecting the catch can to the crankcase ventilation system
Ensuring secure connections and leak prevention
| Installation Considerations |
|---|
| Mounting location |
| Secure connections |
| Leak prevention |
Regular Maintenance
Maintenance involves regularly draining and cleaning the catch can to prevent it from becoming clogged or overfilled. The frequency of maintenance will depend on your engine's usage and the amount of blow-by gases it produces.
| Maintenance Tasks |
|---|
| Draining the catch can |
| Cleaning the catch can |
| Replacing filters (if applicable) |
Compatibility with Different Engine Types
While oil catch cans are beneficial for a wide range of engines, it is important to consider the specific requirements and compatibility factors for different engine types.
Turbocharged Engines: Particularly well-suited for the use of oil catch cans due to the increased crankcase pressures generated by forced induction. These elevated pressures can lead to higher levels of blow-by gases, making an oil catch can an essential component for protecting the engine and maintaining optimal performance.
Supercharged Engines: Similar to turbocharged engines, supercharged engines also benefit greatly from the installation of an oil catch can. The increased crankcase pressures resulting from forced induction necessitate effective management of blow-by gases to prevent contamination and ensure reliable operation.
Naturally Aspirated Engines: While naturally aspirated engines typically produce lower levels of blow-by gases compared to forced induction engines, the use of an oil catch can can still provide significant benefits. By capturing oil vapors and preventing contamination, an oil catch can can help extend the engine's lifespan and maintain peak performance, even in naturally aspirated applications.
Conclusion
Choosing the best oil catch can for your engine is a crucial decision that can have a profound impact on performance, longevity, and overall engine health. By considering factors such as capacity, filtration system, materials, build quality, and compatibility, you can select an oil catch can that meets your specific needs and provides optimal protection for your engine.
Regular maintenance and proper installation are equally important to ensure the catch can functions as intended, preventing oil vapors and blow-by gases from contaminating the intake system. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the numerous benefits that a high-quality oil catch can has to offer.
FAQs
What is the purpose of an oil catch can?
An oil catch can captures oil vapors and blow-by gases from the engine's crankcase ventilation system. It prevents these contaminants from entering the intake system, improving engine performance and longevity.
How does an oil catch can work?
It intercepts the oil vapors and blow-by gases from the crankcase ventilation system before they can enter the intake manifold. The catch can separates the oil from the air, allowing only clean air to re-enter the engine.
Are oil catch cans suitable for all engine types?
While beneficial for all engines, oil catch cans are particularly recommended for forced induction (turbocharged or supercharged) engines due to the higher crankcase pressures and increased blow-by gases.
What are the different types of filtration systems used in oil catch cans?
Common filtration methods include coalescing filters, mesh filters, and baffled designs. Coalescing filters are considered the most efficient for capturing even the smallest oil particles.
How often should an oil catch can be maintained?
The frequency of maintenance depends on the engine's usage and the amount of blow-by gases produced. It is generally recommended to drain and clean the catch can every 6 months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Can an oil catch can improve fuel efficiency?
Yes, by minimizing the amount of oil burned during combustion, an oil catch can can lead to more efficient fuel usage and potentially save money on gas over time.
Are oil catch cans necessary for stock vehicles?
While not strictly required, oil catch cans can provide significant benefits for stock vehicles by keeping the engine clean, efficient, and prolonging its lifespan, especially for direct injection engines.
What factors should be considered when choosing an oil catch can capacity?
The capacity should be appropriate for the engine size, performance level, and driving conditions. Larger engines or those used in high-performance applications may require a larger capacity catch can.
Can an oil catch can void the vehicle's warranty?
Some dealerships may claim that installing an oil catch can will void the warranty, while others may recommend it. It's advisable to consult the dealership or manufacturer regarding their policy on oil catch can installation.
What are the benefits of using an oil catch can on a modified vehicle?
On modified, high-performance vehicles, oil catch cans are often a necessity due to the higher demands placed on the engine. They work alongside other modifications to ensure maximum efficiency and power under intense driving conditions.
